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Sheffield Wednesday forward Callum Paterson has made a huge step on his road to recovery from injury, Alex Miller reports.

What’s the latest and Paterson’s injury?

The Owls still currently sit top of League One, however, the have failed to win any of their last five fixtures, which has resulted in the likes of Plymouth Argyle, Ipswich Town and Barnsley all breathing down their neck ahead of the run-in.

Darren Moore’s side have seven league fixtures remaining and will be hoping to clinch one of two automatic spots instead of dropping into the playoffs over the coming weeks.

Wednesday have been without Paterson since February, with the 28-year-old missing the last 11 games due to a hamstring injury. However, it looks as if he may be able to play some part in the run-in, with Miller sharing comments from Moore regarding the forward.

The Star reporter stated that Paterson has made a ‘huge leap’ in his recovery and should be back in training this week, with Moore saying:

“It’s all dependent on the individual. First and foremost it’s his health but he needs the volume and to be back in with the main group. He has to get used to the quick-thinking, reacting to the ball.

“Once we see him doing that and we’ve ensured he’s had no reaction to the unpredictable movements that he’s got to do, then you start looking at him in terms of starting a game or being involved on a matchday.

“That’s down to speaking to the medical team about whether he’s having reactions. If we don’t get any of them then I start to get a little bit giddy in terms of getting him back into a squad. At the moment I’m reserved in my view on it because I know the process that he has to go through first.”

Could Paterson make a difference?

Paterson, described as an "important" player by Moore, has been a regular for Wednesday since arriving back in 2020, making 119 appearances and contributing to 30 goals.

The Scot has mainly played through the middle as a centre-forward this season but has also turned out in a number of other attacking positions under Moore when required, scoring the winner against rivals Plymouth as a right-midfielder in his last appearance.

Therefore, his return before the end of the season would surely be welcomed by Moore, especially with the club desperate to get back to winning ways, and it looks as if it could be possible following this update.

Newcastle United are set to send scouts to watch Sporting CP midfielder Manuel Ugarte this weekend ahead of a potential switch to the Premier League, according to reports.

What's the latest on Manuel Ugarte to Newcastle?

The Athletic have reported that Eddie Howe is set to enter the upcoming transfer window in search of a new number six, and with the 22-year-old being Ruben Amorim’s top-performing defensive player and third overall with a WhoScored match rating of 7.08, Ugarte has seemingly been identified by the manager as an ideal deep-lying target on the market.

Back in April, Record claimed that the Jose Alvalade Stadium outfit could be forced to cash in on some of their most prized assets at the end of the season to create funds for new signings and the Magpies were credited with a “growing interest”, off the back of which they are believed to have promised to submit an official proposal ahead of the 2023/24 term.

Who is signing Ugarte?

According to Portuguese newspaper Correio da Manha (via Sport Witness), Newcastle and top-flight rivals Liverpool will both "have representatives" in Lisbon this weekend to "focus" on Ugarte during Sporting CP's fixture vs Benfica on Sunday.

As it stands, it's currently unknown which of the two suitors are leading the chase, but it's worth noting that the midfielder has a €60m (£52m) release clause included in his contract, alongside the fact that Aston Villa are claimed to have already held contact regarding a deal, as per A Bola.

Newcastle are clearly serious about securing the services of Ugarte, first to have promised to table a proposal and now to deploy officials to assess him in action, and should they be able to get a deal over the line for the defensive midfielder, it would be a massive coup for PIF and Howe.

The World Cup participant ranks in the 99th percentile for tackles having made 114 this season which is higher than any other member of his squad, as per FBRef, and the 98th percentile for interceptions so loves to get stuck in and win back possession for his team.

Sporting’s “warrior”, as dubbed by talent scout Jacek Kulig, who has the versatility to operate slightly higher up in central midfield alongside his natural position, is also capable of contributing to efforts at the opposite end of the pitch having provided three assists and scored one goal since joining, so this really is a no-brainer of a move to pursue should the opportunity present itself.

Arsenal are "progressing" in talks to sign Southampton midfielder Romeo Lavia and are "close" to an agreement on personal terms, according to reports.

Who will Arsenal sign this summer?

The north Londoners have their eyes on multiple additions this summer as they look to strengthen Mikel Arteta's ranks and challenge again for next season's Premier League title.

Central midfield is the position to really look out for, as a wide variety of sources claim they're stepping up their pursuit of West Ham star Declan Rice and have already had bids rejected for the England international.

They're apparently "serious" about signing Rice and remain confident of doing a deal, having already agreed personal terms, while the likes of Man City star Ilkay Gundogan and Lavia are also being repeatedly linked.

Further forward and in defence, Gunners supporters could see the likes of Kai Havertz join from Chelsea with talks advancing and terms also agreed there, and Ajax defender Jurrien Timber is at the centre of real interest.

Following Southampton's relegation from the top flight, Lavia is a player who could well be on the move, as he attracts interest from Arteta, Chelsea, Man United and Liverpool (The Independent).

Arsenal have been in talks for the 19-year-old, as reported elsewhere, but Football Insider have a really promising update on their efforts to sign him.

According to their information, Arsenal are "progressing" in negotiations for Lavia, with personal terms "close to agreement". This is part of a potential quadruple spending spree and Arteta could see as much as £300 million spent in total this summer.

As well as Lavia, it is believed Rice, Havertz and Timber are all still in ongoing discussions to make a move to the Emirates Stadium.

How has Romeo Lavia done at Southampton?

Having signed for the Saints last year on a deal from Man City, Pep Guardiola has since been very impressed with his efforts at St. Mary's.

Speaking to City's official website, Guardiola held special praise for the Belgium international, who has gone on to make 29 league appearances.

“I am really impressed with what Romeo has done and is doing,” said the City boss.

“We had, and we have, an incredible opinion about him. We thought to keep him, but maybe he would not (get) enough minutes like he has in Southampton.

“(It’s a) good experience to go to the Premier League and play at this early age. So important.”

Lavia also averaged a higher pass accuracy (86.4%) than any Southampton player in the Premier League last campaign.

West Ham United can be forgiven for being distracted by negotiations with Arsenal over a payment structure for £105m midfielder Declan Rice, but David Moyes' side are at risk of being left short come the start of the new Premier League season.

What new players have West Ham bought?

With five weeks to go until their trip to Bournemouth to kick off the 2023-24 season, West Ham have yet to make any signings this window.

That will surely frustrate manager Moyes, who will be fully aware that his squad is in need of freshening up, with May's Europa Conference League triumph papering over the cracks of a poor Premier League season.

A new central midfielder is top of Moyes' list of targets – or indeed a couple if a like-for-like Rice replacement cannot be found – with Ajax's Edson Alvarez, Manchester United's Scott McTominay and Everton's Amadou Onana all rumoured targets.

According to The Guardian, West Ham also hold an interest in Bristol City's Alex Scott, who is on the radar of fellow Premier League side Wolverhampton Wanderers.

How much is Bristol City's Alex Scott worth?

Scott may have spent his senior career to date in the Championship, yet he is reportedly worth at least £20m to Bristol City due to the fact he has two years to run on his Ashton Gate contract.

Despite being just 19 years old, Scott already has 81 Championship appearances under his belt, having been a regular for the Robins over the past two campaigns.

The teenage midfielder rose to prominence earlier this year after impressing Manchester City boss Pep Guardiola in an FA Cup tie, with the Catalan describing him as an "unbelievable player".

As pointed out by football talent scout Jacek Kulig after Scott was named the Championship's Young Player of the Year, he has a "big future ahead" of him.

Scott cannot be expected to slot straight in and take over the role of Rice, of course. Then again, who could?

Instead, the Guernsey native can provide some versatility for Moyes, given he featured in defensive midfield, central midfield, attacking midfield and on both flanks last season, as per WhoScored.

Versatile he may be, but it is as a pure central midfielder that Scott thrives. The Englishman ranks in the top 11% of all midfielders in the eight competitions most similar to the Championship for progressive carries (2.34 per 90 minutes), as per FBref, and in the top 16% for successful take-ons (1.22).

In that aforementioned FA Cup tie with Man City last season, which Bristol City lost 3-0, Scott's five dribbles were the joint-most of any player on the field, level with opponent Phil Foden – quite the company.

As per WhoScored, Scott's pass accuracy of 83.3% that day was also the third-most of any Robins player to attempt 10 passes or more, which is made all the more impressive when you factor in he was playing as an attacking midfielder.

Scott is not exactly a hidden gem, which explains his price tag, but he could be a very smart option for West Ham to kick off their transfer business in the post-Declan Rice era.

Tottenham Hotspur manager Ange Postecoglou may soon be forced to part company with a Spurs player he really admires after some transfer news this week.

Latest Spurs news

The north Londoners are enjoying an absolutely sensational start to this Premier League season.

Postecoglou's era has begun very brightly with the Australian yet to suffer his first top flight defeat in charge of the club. Following Antonio Conte's regrettable last season in charge, Spurs' new head coach has implemented the return of an entertaining, attack-minded style of play.

The Lilywhites boast four wins out of a possible five in the league; scoring 13 goals while sitting just behind Brighton and Man City as part of the division's top three attacking teams.

Certain Spurs players who never got a look-in under Conte, like Yves Bissouma and Pape Matar Sarr, are now thriving as part of a new-look Postecoglou team.

Attacking midfielders Giovani Lo Celso and Bryan Gil – who also weren't favoured by Conte – may soon come into the fold as well.

Tottenham have chalked up impressive victories over the likes of Bournemouth, Man United, Burnley and Sheffield United since mid-August – with the latter result seriously testing their character.

The Blades took a shock lead against the run of play before very, very late goals from Richarlison and Dejan Kulusevski gifted Spurs a hard-fought 2-1 win on Saturday.

Who could leave Spurs?

Postecoglou appears to be finding a winning formula at N17 and his best Tottenham side is taking shape; meaning certain squad members could be facing the axe ahead of January.

Former superstar striker Harry Kane, Sergio Reguilon, Joe Rodon, Djed Spence, Harry Winks, Alfie Devine, Troy Parrott, Dane Scarlett, Davinson Sanchez and Tanguy Ndombele have already left the club during Postecoglou's tenure.

It may only be a matter of time before another follow them out the Spurs door, with an update coming to light on Lo Celso's future.

The Argentine was linked with an exit in the summer window, and his departure is well and truly on the cards this winter. Postecoglou is actually a big fan of Lo Celso, as he admitted to the press recently.

"I’m really happy with Gio," said the Tottenham boss. "He’s been really good in training. You can see he’s a quality player and I think the way we play suits him. I’ve enjoyed working with him and I think he’s enjoying himself in terms of the football we want to play."

Despite this statement, a report from Spain has now claimed that Lo Celso has "made clear his desire" to leave Tottenham in the winter window. The player and his agents are apparently working on a transfer already. Lo Celso, for his part, has one specific destination in mind – Real Betis.

The 27-year-old apparently believes he will have far more opportunities returning to Spain with his former club.

How good is Giovani Lo Celso?

Lo Celso could still do a job for Tottenham, and we believe he could be hastily making a decision if the report is indeed true. Goalkeeper Geronimo Rulli, speaking to Super Deporte during the Argentine's 2022 loan spell at Villarreal, called him a "top player in the world".

"He gives us a plus as a team," said Rulli. "He helps us improve and I don’t discover anything by saying that he is a top player in the world. I know him well as a player and a person, so I hope he does very well."

Tottenham Hotspur are after the new ‘Pochettino’ as BBC journalist Guillem Balague shares why they want Burnley boss Vincent Kompany.

What’s the latest on Kompany to Spurs?

Reliable outlets have suggested that the 37-year-old is high on chairman Daniel Levy’s wishlist as he scours the market for a new permanent manager to succeed Antonio Conte.

It’s been a torrid time in north London of late, with Spurs’ latest 6-1 humbling at the hands of Newcastle United dealing a mighty blow to their hopes of sealing a top four Premier League finish.

Former interim boss Cristian Stellini lost his job as a result of their St. James’ Park thrashing, with Levy placing Ryan Mason in charge until the end of the campaign instead.

In the background, Tottenham are well and truly searching for the tactician who can take them forward and reinstall some much-needed optimism. Julian Nagelsmann and Luis Enrique, both out of work after leaving their most recent jobs, have been heavily linked – meanwhile the likes of Arne Slot (Feyenoord) and Kompany continue to be of interest.

However, despite supporters singing his name in the stands on match day, former Lilywhites boss Mauricio Pochettino never made it far enough to enter serious contention and is now just steps away from joining Chelsea.

This will be a frustrating development for many Spurs fans, not least because their ex-hero is reportedly about to take the reins at a major rival. Balague, sharing why Tottenham didn’t move more seriously for Pochettino despite reports, has also explained the interest in Kompany.

Taking to Twitter, the BBC regular says Spurs are ‘after’ the new ‘Pochettino’ – hence their fondness for Anderlecht’s former manager.

He explained:

What has Kompany done so far?

Burnley are now champions of the English second tier after a 1-0 win over Lancashire rivals Blackburn Rovers on Tuesday night.

The Clarets stormed to Championship promotion in real style and in Kompany’s debut season – winning the most games, losing the least and conceding the fewest out of any other side in the division thus far (Sky).

Called ‘amazing’ for his work at Turf Moor by members of the media like Chris Kamara, the Belgian has been heralded for his brand of football and overall job at Burnley.

It’s little surprise Spurs are considering him but we believe a lack of experience elsewhere is something Levy should also take into account.

Tottenham Hotspur have 'definitely' looked at Marcelo Gallardo as a potential option to replace Antonio Conte, according to Alasdair Gold.

What's the latest on Tottenham's manager search?

In the last fortnight, names linked with the Spurs managerial position have been in no short supply, with an array of coaches both in and out of work emerging as contenders.

Chairman Daniel Levy may already have his ideal candidates and recent reports suggest that the likes of Arne Slot (Feyenoord) now stand a real chance of succeeding Antonio Conte.

Beforehand, former Lilywhites boss Mauricio Pochettino had been tipped as a hot contender, with reliable news outlets indicating he would be very open to talks with Spurs.

Julian Nagelsmann, Luis Enrique, Zinedine Zidane and even Brendan Rodgers, despite his disastrous final season at ex-club Leicester City, are also in the running. Meanwhile, currently employed tacticians like Eintracht Frankfurt's Oliver Glasner and Brentford's Thomas Frank are said to have admirers at Tottenham.

Their next manager after Conte comes as Levy's most crucial decision of this year and he will be eager to avoid an embarrassing repeat of Tottenham's 72-day search for Jose Mourinho's replacement in 2021.

Now, reliable reporter Gold has suggested that a new name has been looked at in former River Plate boss Gallardo – who has also attracted interest from Chelsea.

While the 47-year-old isn't a 'leading candidate' at this stage, Gold also wouldn't rule out a move for him entirely.

The journalist explained in a football.london Q&A:

"I wouldn't rule out Marcelo Gallardo entirely but I think he'd be an outlier in the running. For one reason or another he hasn't been linked with a move to the Premier League too much, or at least he wasn't until there was some suggestions from Brazil about him being a potential Chelsea candidate.

"I think he's one Spurs have definitely looked at but I don't get the impression he's a leading candidate at this stage. As with Nuno in 2021 though, who knows what can happen to the order of candidates as others fall away."

What would Gallardo bring to Spurs?

The South American has won trophies galore from his spells at both Club Nacional and River Plate – boasting a grand total of 10 pieces of silverware across the Atlantic.

For Spurs supporters who wish to see the return of possession-based, forward-thinking football – Gallardo could be the manager for them as he encourages a 4-3-3 attacking formation similar to Pochettino.

His status as a free agent comes as yet another reason to consider moving for Gallardo, and if their search continues to drag on, we wouldn't be at all surprised to see him become a more solid option.

Tottenham Hotspur are "on the verge" of a surprise signing as Sky Sports journalist Florian Plettenberg breaks some transfer news this morning.

Postecoglou chasing early January deals

Spurs boss Ange Postecoglou made clear last month that the north Londoners will attempt to seal their January business early, as the head coach wants to bed new recruits into the squad nice and quickly.

All confirmed Premier League done deals: January transfer window 2024

With the January transfer window coming towards its conclusion, FFC has all the info for tracking your club’s winter transfer activity.

ByLuke Randall Feb 1, 2024

Indeed, Tottenham are linked with signing a centre-back, midfielder and forward this month, with Postecoglou recently saying he's "hopeful" of sealing new players soon after the winter window opens.

"Obviously if we can do business early it's great for us, not just because of losing [Cristian] Romero but there's a whole month there – why waste it?," said Postecoglou on Spurs' January transfer plans.

"If you can bring them in early, even if they don't play you can bed them into training and our style of football because it's not like we're going to sign somebody and they'll hit the ground running. Maybe they could.

Trevoh Chalobah

20th December

Jean-Clair Todibo

20th December

Morato

19th December

Radu Dragusin

16th December

Sebastian Caceres

14th December

Jarrad Branthwaite

13th December

"Whereas if you leave it towards the end of January, it's potentially not until mid to end of February when they get up to speed, depending where they're coming from, the league they're coming from. So there's a whole lot of moving parts. So yes, I'd love to do something early in the window but even me saying that puts a challenge on us – because other clubs know we want to do something early.

"You've got to play the game, we'll see what happens but I'm hopeful it will be much earlier than the end of the window before we bring someone in."

Spurs have been heavily linked with a move for Genoa defender Radu Dragusin. Postecoglou's side, in their desperate search for a new centre-back, are thought to be making headway and want a deal done soon.

Tottenham are advancing in talks to sign Dragusin after agreeing personal terms (Fabrizio Romano), but according to Sky reporter Plettenberg, there has been quite an unexpected transfer development out of N17 just this morning.

Timo Werner "on the verge" of joining Tottenham

According to the journalist, RB Leipzig forward Timo Werner could be a Spurs player very soon.

It is believed Werner is "on the verge" of joining Tottenham on loan and "final negotiations" are taking place today.

The Germany international can play anywhere across the attacking midfield area and further forward. Werner has scored two goals in eight Bundesliga appearances this season.

The limelight of Liverpool's transfer activity for what seems like an age has been the pursuit of coveted Borussia Dortmund midfielder Jude Bellingham, but manager Jurgen Klopp might have distinguished the perfect alternative.

What's the latest on Gabri Veiga to Liverpool?

According to ESPN, the talented ace has also attracted the attention of Manchester United, Newcastle United, AC Milan and Napoli, following January interest from the likes of Bournemouth and Leeds United.

The 20-year-old is believed to have a €40m (£35m) release clause in his current deal, which could narrow the competition considerably.

With Real Madrid also considered suitors for the precocious talent, it seems unlikely that Los Celestes will succeed in their attempts to tie him down to a new long-term deal, with his current contract expiring in 2026.

Could Liverpool forget Bellingham with Veiga swoop?

Last year, Veiga tantalised glimpses of future prowess with his performances for Celta Vigo B, playing in the Spanish third division, where he scored nine goals and registered an assist from 31 matches.

Playing seven times in La Liga that term, each outing a cameo from the bench, Veiga looked to be asserting himself as a glistening prospect at the maiden phase of his career, and provided the platform to impress this season, he has taken his opportunity to resounding success.

Having scored eight goals and supplied three assists from 17 starts in the top-flight, Veiga is indeed now one of the most coveted starlets in the country, hailed as a "joy of a player" by Alberto Casas.

Speaking to The Guardian, Celta teammate and former Liverpool player Iago Aspas also waxed lyrical, saying: “He has desire, enthusiasm, quality. He’s comfortable here and hope he stays for a long time. If he has to go, let it be leaving behind many millions.”

As per FBref, Veiga ranks among the top 1% of midfielders across Europe's elite five divisions for goals, 16% for assists, 2% for successful take-ons and 7% for progressive carries per 90, illustrating the impact he could have on Klopp's system.

With a successful bid for his name, the Merseyside outfit could boast a player in the mould of Bellingham, who has been touted at as much as £129m by the Yellow Wall.

With the former Birmingham City prodigy among the superlative midfielders in world football right now, scoring ten goals and serving six assists this season from his engine-room deployment and ranking among the top 9% of midfielders across Europe's elite five divisions for goals, the top 13% for assists, the top 11% for progressive carries and the top 1% for successful take-ons per 90, he is discernibly prolific as a robust and all-encompassing phenom.

And with striking similarities between the respective players, Liverpool might be inclined to move for the shrewder avenue and tie up a deal for Vigo's most coveted asset, one who holds all the promise of a future machine flourishing at the very highest level and for a far cheaper price.

Aston Villa have found phenomenal form in 2023 under Unai Emery. The wins have arrived, and, therefore, so has a place in the Europa Conference League, leading to an exceptional summer landing players like Moussa Diaby and Nicolo Zaniolo. It has been a near-flawless tenure for Emery, but success is not without its negatives in football, and when the transfer window swings open, the Midlands club may find that out the hard way.

Whilst players continue to reach new heights at Aston Villa, other clubs, be it in the rest of Europe or in the Premier League, will begin to come calling, with one top manager already setting his sights on one particular star player.

Aston Villa transfer news

The Villans did well to not only recruit the right players during the summer, but also keep hold of those who earned a place in Europe in the first place. The likes of Emiliano Martinez and Ollie Watkins stayed put, rightly convinced that Emery's project is the place to be. They may not be so lucky when the January transfer window opens, however, given the latest Douglas Luiz transfer news.

According to reports in Spain, Atletico Madrid manager Diego Simeone has never been so interested in Luiz, and believes that the addition of the Brazilian would strengthen his squad in January. It won't be an easy deal, and Villa are in a strong position with Luiz's contract not expiring until 2026, but the Villans will be on high-alert.

From Emery's perspective, he will surely be desperate to keep hold of his defensive midfielder, who would be hard to replace mid-way through the campaign, with fixtures coming thick and fast, including a potential European knockout tie. The winter window could certainly test the resolve of the star players currently plying their trade at Villa Park.

Douglas Luiz's stats

It's been another impressive season when it comes to Luiz's stats. The midfielder has played a vital part, helping Villa get off to a strong start, leaving them fifth in the table and just four points adrift of table-toppers Tottenham Hotspur. Compared to current Atletico Madrid midfielder Rodrigo De Paul, Luiz stands out even more, as per FBref.

Player

Progressive Carries

Progressive Passes

Tackles Won

Blocks

Interceptions

Douglas Luiz

13

46

13

10

4

Rodrigo De Paul

9

26

6

4

0

The former Manchester City man has earned plenty of praise during his time at Villa, too, including from Emery, who said, via The Birmingham Mail: “His improvement is to be strong in the structure I am creating. Offensively, strong structure trying to occupy good spaces, trying to take passion to get the ball to them.

"Don’t lose this structure offensively then, when we have to react defensively as well, he’s in very good positions to start pressing against them. Of course, sometimes we can have more possession of the ball, sometimes less.

“The idea is to try and keep ball possession for a long time. If we are not doing it, we have to keep our structure defensively strong. We’re being very competitive starting in our structure. Away from home we’re showing it. At home, there’s not the balance I want.”